Calafateño Beach Sports Teams Triumph: Beach Handball, Women’s Beach Volleyball, and Women’s Badminton Achieve Another Victory

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Santa Cruz Athletes Shine at National Games with Series of Wins

October 2, 2025

Mar del Plata, Argentina – Athletes representing Santa Cruz Province are making significant strides at the ongoing National Games, demonstrating exceptional athletic prowess across a multitude of disciplines. From the beaches to the courts, the province is racking up victories and positioning itself for continued success in the coming days.

Badminton Triumphs for Calafateños

The mixed Badminton duo of Fabricio Borquez and Valentina Diez have secured their place in the quarterfinals after winning both of their matches today. They defeated Entre Ríos with a score of 15/6 and 15/4, and Catamarca with a score of 15/5 and 15/8. Individually, Santa Cruz also claimed victories in both the male and female categories, defeating Río Negro and Catamarca respectively, both with 2-0 scores.

Beach Handball and Volleyball Dominate

The upsalla school team, representing Santa Cruz in Beach WomenS Handball, continued their winning streak with a 2-1 victory (12/4, 10/11, 6/4). The team, comprised of Maia Novosel, Constanza Ferrari, Sol Martinez, Tammy Feldman, Josefina Sturtz, Mariana González, jasmin Gotti, and milena Escobar, under the guidance of Daniela Dedek and gabriela Vargas, will face Mendoza and CABA in the quarterfinals. In Beach Volley Women, Josefina González and Milagros Cabañez from El Calafate also advanced to the quarterfinals, winning 2-1 (15/21, 21/17, 15/11) in their latest match.

Mixed Results in Beach Volleyball – Men’s Division

The male Beach Volleyball team, featuring Thomy Marquez and Bruno Maidana, both from El Calafate, faced tougher competition, falling to two strong opponents. They are coached by Mario Marquez.

Swimmers Make Waves

Santa Cruz swimmers, including Catalina Lago and greta Perpignan in the women’s category, and Francisco Pane, Agustín Rosell, and Thomás Sequeira in the men’s, participated in the swimming competitions. Coach pablo Argañaraz noted that this was a valuable learning experience for the athletes,many of whom were competing in a long-course pool for the first time. Francisco Rodríguez Pane secured a 7th-place finish in the 100m breaststroke, competing against 32 swimmers.

judo Competitors Represent El Calafate

El Calafate is well-represented in Judo, with bautista Viton (-53 kg), Mateo Barragán (-64 kg), and Marcos Pedroza (+64 kg) competing in the male division, coached by Juan Ignacio Vargas. In the female division,Martina Serra Vargas (-44 kg) is competing,trained by Vanesa Sperelli.

Gymnastics Golden Start

The province celebrated a triumphant start in gymnastics. Juana Becerra,Martina,and Pilar Figueroa secured the first gold medals for Santa Cruz in level 1 competition,fulfilling a long-held dream. The athletes train at the Boxing Club of Río Gallegos under the guidance of Carlos Barragán and Giuliana Usandivaras.

Futsal and Table Tennis Success

Santa Cruz’s female futsal team convincingly defeated San Juan 4-0, maintaining a strong pace in the competition. The provincial table tennis team is also proving formidable, with kiara Menares and Sabrina Mosca reaching the final in female doubles, and Lucas Aguilar and Lautaro Torres doing the same in male doubles. Caetano Rosales de las Heras will contend for 3rd or 4th place in male singles,while Agostina Hermosilla finished 9th in female singles.

Sport	Result	Next Stage
Mixed Badminton	Won against Entre Ríos & Catamarca	Quarterfinals
Beach Women’s Handball	Won against Previous Opponent	Quarterfinals vs. Mendoza & CABA
Beach Volley Women	Won against Previous Opponent	Quarterfinals
Female Futsal	Defeated san Juan 4-0	Match between areas

The Growing Importance of Provincial Sports

The successes of Santa Cruz Province at the National Games highlight the increasing emphasis on developing sports at the regional level. Investing in local athletes and providing opportunities for competition are vital for fostering talent and building a stronger national sporting base. According to data from the Ministry of Sports, investment in regional sports programs has increased by 15% in the last five years, correlating with a rise in national-level participation from provinces outside major metropolitan areas.

Did You Know? The National Games, first held in 1914, serve as a crucial stepping stone for athletes aiming for international competitions, like the Olympics.

Pro Tip: For aspiring athletes, consistently focusing on foundational skills and seeking guidance from experienced coaches are key to achieving peak performance.

Frequently Asked Questions About the National Games

• What are the National Games? The National Games are a multi-sport event held in Argentina, featuring athletes from all provinces competing in various disciplines.
• What is the meaning of the National Games for athletes? They provide a platform for athletes to showcase their skills, gain competitive experience, and potentially qualify for national teams.
• How does Santa Cruz province support its athletes? The province provides training facilities, coaching staff, and financial assistance to support athletes participating in the National Games.
• What are the benefits of participating in the National Games? Aside from athletic advancement, participation fosters sportsmanship, camaraderie, and provincial pride.
• Are the National Games open to spectators? Yes, the National Games are typically open to the public, allowing communities to support their athletes.

What are your thoughts on the performance of Santa Cruz athletes? Do you think increased funding for regional sports programs is a worthwhile investment?

What factors contributed too the Calafateño teams’ success in these championships?

Dominating the Sands: A weekend of Wins for Calafateño athletes

This past weekend saw an amazing display of athleticism and teamwork from Calafateño sports teams,securing victories in Beach Handball,Women’s Beach Volleyball,and Women’s Badminton.The triumphs highlight the growing strength of sports programs in el Calafate and Patagonia,attracting attention from across Argentina and beyond. These wins aren’t just about medals; they represent dedication, rigorous training, and a thriving sporting community.

Beach Handball: Calafateño Team Secures Championship Title

The Calafateño Beach Handball team delivered a stunning performance, defeating their rivals from Bariloche in a nail-biting final. This marks their second consecutive championship win, solidifying their position as a dominant force in argentinian beach handball.

* Key Players: Lucía Perez and mateo Rodriguez were instrumental in the victory, consistently scoring crucial goals and demonstrating exceptional defensive skills.

* Tournament Highlights: The team overcame a challenging semi-final match against mar del Plata, showcasing resilience and strategic gameplay.

* Training Regimen: The team’s success is attributed to a demanding training schedule that includes daily beach workouts, strength conditioning, and tactical drills. This focus on beach sports training has clearly paid off.

* Beach Handball Rules: For those unfamiliar, beach handball is a fast-paced, dynamic sport played on sand with two teams of four players (three outfield players and a goalkeeper). Scoring involves throwing the ball into the opponent’s goal.

Women’s Beach Volleyball: A Golden Performance on the Shores

The Calafateño Women’s Beach Volleyball duo, Sofia Garcia and Isabella Rossi, claimed gold at the national tournament held in San juan. Their consistent performance throughout the competition,coupled with their exceptional communication and court coverage,proved too much for their opponents.

* Strategic Gameplay: Garcia and Rossi employed a clever mix of power serves and strategic placement, consistently exploiting weaknesses in their opponents’ defense.

* Rising Stars: This victory positions Garcia and rossi as potential contenders for international competitions,boosting the profile of beach volleyball in Argentina.

* The Importance of Sand Conditions: Players noted the unique challenges presented by the San Juan sand, requiring adjustments to their usual techniques. Adapting to varying sand court conditions is a crucial skill in beach volleyball.

* Beach Volleyball Techniques: Mastering skills like digging, setting, and spiking are essential for success in this demanding sport.

Women’s Badminton: A Shuttlecock Success Story

In a surprising but well-deserved victory, the Calafateño Women’s Badminton team triumphed over buenos Aires in the national championship. This is the team’s first national title, marking a significant milestone for badminton in the region.

* Team Composition: The team, led by captain Camila Fernandez, showcased a blend of experience and youthful energy.

* Key Match Analysis: The final match against Buenos Aires was particularly intense, with both teams displaying exceptional skill and determination. Fernandez’s strategic play and precise shots were pivotal in securing the win.

* Badminton’s Growing Popularity: This victory is expected to further boost the popularity of badminton in Patagonia, encouraging more young athletes to take up the sport.

* Badminton Equipment: Proper equipment, including lightweight rackets and specialized shoes, is crucial for optimal performance. The cost of badminton equipment can vary depending on quality and brand.

The Benefits of Beach Sports

Participating in beach sports offers a multitude of benefits, extending beyond competitive success:

* Improved Cardiovascular Health: The dynamic nature of these sports provides an excellent cardiovascular workout.

* Enhanced Strength and Endurance: Playing on sand requires greater effort, building strength and endurance.

* Increased Vitamin D Exposure: Outdoor activities like beach sports contribute to healthy vitamin D levels.

* Mental Wellbeing: The social aspect of team sports and the enjoyment of outdoor activity promote mental wellbeing.

* Unique Physical Challenges: Sand provides an unstable surface, engaging more muscle groups and improving balance.

Supporting Calafateño Athletes: How you Can Help

The success of these teams relies on community support. Here are a few ways you can contribute:

* Sponsorship: Local businesses can sponsor teams and athletes, providing financial support for training and travel.

* Volunteer opportunities: Volunteering at tournaments and events helps ensure smooth operations.

* Attend Local Matches: Showing your support at local matches boosts team morale and encourages participation.

* Promote Local Sports: Sharing news and updates about Calafateño athletes on social media helps raise awareness.

Looking Ahead: Future Prospects for Calafateño Sports

The recent victories are a testament to the dedication and talent of Calafateño athletes. With continued investment in sports programs and community support, the future looks shining for sports in El Calafate. The focus now shifts to preparing for upcoming regional and national competitions, with the ultimate goal of representing Argentina on the international stage. The growing interest in Patagonian sports tourism could also provide further opportunities for progress and exposure.